Sea Captain Hotel Will Be Replaced With New One

Say goodbye to another 50's era beach side landmark. The owner of the Sea Captain motel on Devon Drive is tearing down the outdated hotel to replace it with a bigger modern one. The site is next door to the former Port Vue hotel, which is being replaced with a Holiday Inn.

The new hotel will have 85 rooms, fitness center, conference and banquet rooms, rooftop sundeck, and 93 space parking garage.

2nd Annual Beach Walk Benefit Walk

The 2nd annual Beach Walk will be Saturday January 22, 2011. Sponsored by Chapel-by-the-Sea and RCS Food Bank, the Beach Walk raises funds and food to RCS Food Bank in Clearwater. Registration for Beach Walk open sat 7:30 a.m. at the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach and the Beach Walk starts at 8:30 a.m, followed by a pancake breakfast. A raffle will be held following the Beach Walk with proceeds going to the RCS Food Bank.

The 2 mile course will go along the beach, turning at the Hyatt and returning along the beach walk and Mandalay ending at Chapel-by-the Sea, with entertainment provided throughout. Participants receive a Beach Walk T-shirt ind items from local merchants. Registration is $12 for adults and $9 for children 6 to 18, breakfast is $6.

Participants and supporters are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to the Beach Walk. For registration call Shari Maxwell at 446-0430.

Bay Esplanade Boat Ramp Will Open Next Month

The boat ramp on Bay Esplanade is closed and should be open next month. The ramp is being replaced with concrete extending below the water line, and the boarding dock will be moved south to create more launching room. The ramp is the only one in Clearwater Beach and work is scheduled to be complete February 14th.

"Dolphin Tale" Filming Wraps - Aquarium Open Again

The filming of "A Dolphin Tale" is finished, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is open for business again. The 3D movie was filmed over 3 months and filming finished last month. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year, and stars Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr. and Ashley Judd. The aquarium is open to visitors again, and is located at 249 Windward Passage.